The Foundations of Reason - And How to Respond to Rene Descartes

Rene Descartes once said, “I think, therefore I am.” While this may sound like bland writing, coupled with faulty logic, it is actually a realistic question. How do you know that you exist? In the classic study of epistemology, Descartes used a principle of circular reasoning, which is typically known as an informal fallacy, leading to biased presupposed positions. However, when do you draw the line in the sand and realize that humans are limited? Atheists often debate Christians on this very subject: how can you know God if all you know is his Word? Although uncomfortable, this answer is much more reasonable than if you turn the question around. If we are the greatest life there is, how can we know we know anything?

Christians can easily point to the answer in Christ, in which we place our hope and trust, based on the uncontradictable Word of God and the Holy Spirit indwelling us. However, to deny the truth that we know anything is self-refuting by its very nature. It’s really as simple as that. Having consistent logic is the only way the world works. Without morality, the consistency of nature, the laws of science, etc, the world could not operate. If our thoughts are wrong, then we are in deep trouble, as the world is illogical and we are the products of whatever impossible chance made us. However, our brains were wired for thought, emotion, and feelings. There is no reasonable way to deny thought, because even our denials are thoughts! When we try to, it is the fast track to confusion, insanity, and rebellion against God.

We should praise God that he has given us such a consistent world. Logic is part of the nature of God’s creation; so instead of rejecting it, we should embrace it and the truths it brings forth.